Ala Moana Bowls Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for Ala Moana Bowls over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – the surf is going to be a real struggle for a while. The first solid week or so is looking pretty average, with a lot of poor conditions and marginal windows. The trade winds are blowing strong from the ENE, mostly around 15 to 25 mph, which is cross-offshore. That keeps the surface clean, but the swell is just not cooperating. For the first few days, the swell is short-period and mostly from the east, with heights around 5 ft to 5 ft, and the combined energy is moderate (423 to 478). It’s just not coming together for a good wave. The water temp is sitting at 80°, which is about average for this time of year.

As we move into Monday and Tuesday (July 20–21), the swell changes direction to the south, with a much longer period of 14–16 seconds. That’s more of a true groundswell. But the heights drop to 3 ft–3 ft, and even though the energy is moderate (602 to 636), the wind is still up, and the reports say it’s marginal due to tide or other factors. Not a great call to paddle out.

Wednesday through Friday (July 22–24) sees the swell flip-flopping between short-period east pulses and long-period SSW groundswell. The combined energy climbs into the strong range (780 to 1228), but the swell is either too small (2 ft–2 ft) or, by Friday, it’s an 8 ft short-period east swell that’s too big for beginners and just not clean with that 7-second period. The wind is a fresh to strong breeze, so it’s not going to be a fun paddle.

The real standout here comes later. I’m looking at Sunday, July 26 and Monday, July 27, and this is the best on offer. The swell is from the east, 5 ft to 6 ft, with a period of 14–16 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is very strong (1367 to 1619), and the wind is a moderate to fresh cross-offshore breeze. For Ala Moana Bowls, which is a reef setup, that long-period east swell should produce some good, shaped waves. The sets will be a bit more spread out, making the paddle out easier, and the waves will have plenty of push. The water is still warm, and the crowds are something to keep in mind – this spot is “often” crowded, so you’ll want to be early.

After that, the swell holds through the end of July and into early August, but the energy starts to drop off. The heights are mostly 3 ft–6 ft, still with decent period, but the wind stays up, and the forecasts are marginal. The week of July 29 and beyond looks like a slow fade, with smaller swell and lighter winds, but nothing that really jumps out as a must-surf session.

So, if you’re looking for the best waves, circle July 26 and 27. The east swell is solid, the period is long, and the reef should handle it well. It’s not a beginner session – over 5 ft, it’s a bit much for learners – but for the experienced crew, that’s the window.

Rusty.

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